River Road by R.C. Matthews

Author:R.C. Matthews
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Crimson Romance

Chapter Eighteen

With a stretch and a yawn, Hope woke to the gentle prodding of her lady’s maid. As the young woman set a robe at the foot of the bed, she kept her eyes averted, far from where Hatchet lay in peaceful slumber.

Four blissful nights.

“This came for the gentleman late last night,” the maid whispered, dropping a missive on the bedside table. “I didn’t wish to disturb you.”

“Thank you, Serena. That’ll be all.”

As soon as the door clicked shut, Hope propped her head on her hand, ogling Hatchet. His sculpted body was so different from her late husband, who had been more of a scholar than a man accustomed to physical labor.

Everything about her lover excited her senses. From his musky, sandalwood scent to his strong, calloused hands. She touched his skin, tracing every line of the elaborate tattoo claiming his left arm, shoulder, and chest. The black ink formed a series of tribal symbols, both mesmerizing and frightening.

“Are you going to stare at me all morning or touch me more?” Hatchet smirked, though his eyes remained closed. “I’m rather enjoying your scandalous exploration of my body. What will you caress next?”

She resumed fondling his torso. “Why did you choose a wolf for your tattoo? Is it because your crew is sort of like a pack?”

Instead of answering, he peeked at her through one eye and rolled over, hooking his leg over hers possessively. She squirmed under the onslaught of his delectable mouth, which was inching up her neck. His member grew hard against her belly, and waves of heat flooded her senses. “Stop that, or we’ll be late for my ceremony.”

He slid on top of her, kissing her lips as his mouth widened in a grin. “I’m afraid my cock has a mind of its own, but I shall bring him to heel. Your ceremony takes priority. Are you nervous?”

“Excited, except . . . You’re certain you wish to observe the ritual?”

His eyes sparkled with mirth. “Are you worried I’ll pummel the other men in attendance?”

“You’re incorrigible,” she said, swatting his buttocks. “Promise me you won’t do that.”

He grinned and rolled out of bed. “I would never ruin your initiation into the priesthood. Out of bed with you, before we’re late.”

Tossing her legs over the side of the bed, she sat on the edge and yawned again. Her gaze fell on the note Serena had delivered. “This came for you last night.”

He ripped the envelope open and read the brief letter, his jaw tightening.

“Is everything all right?” she asked, sensing his unease.

His head snapped up. “Fine, love. Let’s go, or we’ll miss the celebration.”

Only, his body language told her he wasn’t fine at all. But he was stubborn and clearly didn’t wish to discuss the contents of his note, so she dressed. She’d approach him on the matter later.

• • •

One hundred lit candles glimmered within the tent, the flames dancing in a silent invitation to Mambo Ayizan, the spiritual patroness of the initiation ceremony. A hint of hibiscus and cloves suffused the air, and Hope closed her eyes as she soaked inside a wooden bathtub.

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